During Herman Cains tenure as the head of the National Restaurant Association in the 1990s, at least two female employees complained to colleagues and senior association officials about inappropriate behavior by Cain, ultimately leaving their jobs at the trade group, multiple sources confirm to POLITICO.

The women complained of sexually suggestive behavior by Cain that made them angry and uncomfortable, the sources said, and they signed agreements with the restaurant group that gave them financial payouts to leave the association. The agreements also included language that bars the women from talking about their departures.

In a series of comments over the past 10 days, Cain and his campaign repeatedly declined to respond directly about whether he ever faced allegations of sexual harassment at the restaurant association. They have also declined to address questions about specific reporting confirming that there were financial settlements in two cases in which women leveled complaints.

POLITICO has confirmed the identities of the two female restaurant association employees who complained about Cain but, for privacy concerns, is not publishing their names.

Cain spokesman J.D. Gordon told POLITICO the candidate indicated to campaign officials that he was vaguely familiar with the charges and that the restaurant associations general counsel had resolved the matter.

In one case, POLITICO has seen documentation describing the allegations and showing that the restaurant association formally resolved the matter. Both women received separation packages that were in the five-figure range.

Before coming to Politico, Mr. Martin worked at National Journal’s The Hotline and at National Review. Mr. Martin regularly appears on CNN, MSNBC, CSPAN, NPR, ABC and CBS to discuss politics. His work has been published in The New Republic, the National Journal and the Washington Post.

When are they going to say that Herman and Clarence Thomas frequent a topless bar and hit on all the dancers?”

That’s exactly what I was thinking. This is Clarence Thomas all over again. They just can’t stand the thought of a successful African-American that made it on his own and is not beholden to the Dem plantation. This is despicable, and sadly predictable.

“They’re going to come after me more viciously than they would a white candidate,” Cain responded. “You’re right. Clarence Thomas. And so, to use Clarence Thomas as an example, I’m ready for the same high-tech lynching that he went through — for the good of this country.” Cain smiled broadly. “I’m ready for the same high-tech lynching.”

To say this is race-based is ridiculous, they would go after this story if it were about any of the GOP candidates. Hermie’s response has been less than satisfactory. He’s going to have to comment on it eventually, and the stonewalling only hurts him.

This type of amazing, in depth, weeks on end, dutiful investigative reporting and attempted “actual journalism” - all in an effort to discredit Cain - was strangely absent in the 2008 campaign. Who is Obama’s boy, Reggie Love? Why has not even one former Obama girlfriend ever surfaced? What about the Chicago “down low” club Obama has often times been reported to frequent? Who were Obama’s friends when he was admittedly snorting cocaine and smoking pot?

I smell total crap here. If Perry’s fingerprints are found on this smear job, Perry’s campaign is finished.

22
posted on 10/30/2011 7:09:52 PM PDT
by RobaWho
(I Love the U.S. Constitution, as written.)

Same-o, same-o, looks like the lib's ladies could come up with something new. But I guess since it almost worked last time they thought maybe two women could bring it home. What a disgusting bunch. I refuse to think any of the announced candidates for the Republican nomination would stoop so low.

Cain spokesman J.D. Gordon told POLITICO the candidate indicated to campaign officials that he was vaguely familiar with the charges and that the restaurant associations general counsel had resolved the matter.”

The stupid SOB that wrote that should be fired on the spot. The CORRECT anser is “high tech Lynching” or “never happened.”

The “Oh yeah, I vaguely remember something about that” answer was criminally stupid. That moron just handed him over to the firing squad and gave this thing legs in one fell swoop. Stupid is as stupid does.

27
posted on 10/30/2011 7:11:50 PM PDT
by jessduntno
("They say the world has become too complex for simple answers... they are wrong." - RR)

Usually this kind of stuff comes out in the last month before the election(Oct. surprise). I guys the Establishment Washington D.C. types can’t afford to see Cain win the primary. It would be an upset for the whole field.

28
posted on 10/30/2011 7:11:52 PM PDT
by DarkWaters
("Deception is a state of mind --- and the mind of the state" --- James Jesus Angleton)

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